Assistance needed, please

[billeyler]

26 months ago, the kitchen portion of our reno was "finished." I say "finished" because like with most major projects, some things get relegate to "later."

One of those many items we didn't get to was a back-splash for the kitchen. Like all good middle-class gay men who own their own homes, you know this is a MAJOR consideration. But have we made a decision yet? No.

Here's what the existing kitchen looks like (yes, this is post-remodel, design queens. Don't laugh).



Here's where YOU can help out. What's your opinion of these two backsplash selections?


Here are our caveats:
- We're design-conservative (read: scaredy-cats) and are thinking toward 'neutral' if (and when) we sell this house
- We spent lots of money on the remodel, but in my mind, I don't want to spend lots of money on a backsplash
- We're both procrastinators about this (and a few other projects) which is making us cranky.
- We know we'll have to make a decision about the grout color, too!
- We're doing the complete run under the cabinets, but not wrapping around the corners.
- There is under-cabinet lighting all the way, including over the stove (turned off in photo)
- We only need about 18 square feet of tile (16 feet for the run and 2 feet for fill-in)

Tile 1 - tumbled stone and glass, (1/2 inch thick) $13.99 a sheet (1 square foot).





Tile 2 - mini squares of glass, copper/brown shades, very thin (1/4 inch thick), $4.99 a sheet (1 square foot)





Other options:
- No backsplash. Keep the brick red color
- Small backsplash. Just over the stove (which tile, then?)
- All the options aren't my cup of tea. Go with something bolder.



What say ye people of good taste and breeding?

Comments

[eric-mathgeek.livejournal.com]

I like #2. Just over the stove is OK but I think it would look nicer if you did the full run. But I'm not a design queen either...

[queerbychoice.livejournal.com]

I think it looks great the way it is, with no backsplash at all. But if you do put in a backsplash, I would go for the whole length of the wall. And I prefer #1.

[bosendorfer-boy.livejournal.com]

My vote is for #2 as well.

[apparentparadox]

What kind of cooking do you do? The main purpose of a backsplash is to make it easier to clean (so, grease over the stove). If that isn't a problem, or you're happy to repaint before you sell, then you don't need a backsplash with your kitchen.

For me, I'd turn the corners and do the backsplash along anywhere you've got the granite counter to unify it. If that's not what you want, then do only over the stove (maybe a few inches on either side as well, as that helps with any splatter from the stove).

I find #2 to be too busy (both in color and in lots of little tiles), especially with how busy the countertop looks. I'd go with #1 which adds sweeping lines to the kitchen.

If you're only doing over the stove, then maybe #2 works, because it's more like an extension of the countertop over just that one area.

I'm thinking that if you want to save money now, just leave it as it is. Plan on either re-painting or installing a backsplash when you go to sell -- that has the benefit of modernizing the kitchen to appeal to buyers, although you won't get any of that benefit.

[billeyler.livejournal.com]

I appreciate this feedback!

Unlike some 'model' kitchens, both of us cook frequently and use blenders and mixers frequently, so we do have some mess above the counter. (I've noticed how greasy the microwave vents have gotten recently).

My problem is how to think outside the box.

And the reality is that it's only the guy that designed the kitchen (dimensions/cabinetry) is the only one that keeps asking when we'll put in a backsplash. No one else would care, really.

So, your last paragraph is what it's all about.

The total cost of this minor part of the remodel is no more than $300.

[apparentparadox]

I cook a lot, too, but tend to make messes on myself and the counter, rather than the walls, so a backsplash is a lower priority for me. If you're finding yourselves cleaning the wall under the cabinets on a regular basis, then definitely go with a backsplash that covers the entire wall. It's much easier to clean the backsplash than a painted wall, and the backsplash will give you guys benefit.

If you find that the walls rarely need cleaning, then go without any backsplash.

[billeyler.livejournal.com]

It's a thought. We had looked at a company that made copper-shaded thin metal tile overlays. Might we worth a re-visit.

[omero-hassan.livejournal.com]

How much area would you be covering? They both seem like they would be a little busy up against the granite.

[billeyler.livejournal.com]

The entire wall surface under the cabinets.

Yes, larger tiles might be a good idea.

[bendoutdoors.livejournal.com]

I don't think anyone has ever described me as having good taste or good breeding. So for what it's worth, I think you should either leave it as is. Second choice would be to run the granite all the way up.

[billeyler.livejournal.com]

Part of the error of our ways was having a partial backsplash lip installed with the same granite as the counters. Makes it hard to make a decision.

[allanh.livejournal.com]

I like #1, myself, especially if you're going to run it along the entire wall surface under the cabinets. I think it'll look better with the granite countertop pattern.

[billeyler.livejournal.com]

gracias!

[divos-voids.livejournal.com]

my 2¢...leave it like it is!

i prefer the larger tile option (#1) if you forced me to choose. years ago i put in a stainless steel back splash with a herringbone "pattern" etched in...was easy to clean. but i think with the way your kitchen is situated, that wouldn't be a good look because it breaks the sightline in the wall. (ok....perhaps that was more like 3¢ worth...)

[billeyler.livejournal.com]

I appreciate the feedback, Mr 3c! ;-)

And I promise to not critique your backsplash in the event we're ever invited to a do at your casita!

[billeyler.livejournal.com]

And you've been here to see firsthand! ;-)

[pdxchuck.livejournal.com]

I like your kithcen. Very nice, warm colors. In my humble opinion, based on the pictures you provided I feel the various tiles may appear too busy when next to the granite. While I like the colors you have chosen I think the tiles next to the granite pattern may appear a bit busy or competing with each other. My thought would be to provide a backsplash behind the stove only and what backsplash is used is one that is more solid in color. Again, just my 2 cents.

[billeyler.livejournal.com]

I think you're right. We've been focused on color.